May 1925 was last Royal Commission focused on Pensions and Re-establishment. We feel the current method of engagement; the “stakeholder meetings” resembles manufactured consent instead of fruitful consultation. No one can speak more passionately or clearly about veterans needs than the individual veteran and their spouse. At this time, no more suitable means of veteran consultation exists than a Royal Commission.

The structure and methods of the “stakeholder meetings” undermine Section 4 of the Department of Veteran Affairs Act. The Minster is required to consult with all veterans’ not just those that can afford the time and effort to attend stakeholder meetings. The structure of these meetings, and the government dictated agenda, undermines meaningful dialogue. In fact, it makes it difficult for the average veteran to offer input. Consultation is a two-way discussion between the Minister and his clients. As indicated in the Act, Disabled veterans and their spouses, not well-intentioned “stakeholders”, are the Minsters clients.A Royal Commission would provide a public document that all Canadians, including veterans, the courts, and the Standing Committee on Veteran Affairs, could scrutinize. The stakeholder meetings are not part of public record thereby undermining accountability and research. We argue that direct consultation through a Royal Commission, instead of manufactured consent by “stakeholder” meetings, would reassure veterans, the public, parliament and the courts. Two petitions, with over 143,000 signatures of veterans and caring Canadians, agree that a Royal Commission into the Pensions and Re-establishment of veterans is required.

Kent Hehr, Minister of Veteran Affairs, must genuinely consult with all veterans and spouses as dictated by Section 4 of the Department of Veteran Affairs Act a Royal Commission is the most effective means for government to do so. The Minster has stated he is committed to “care, compassion and respect” for veterans. With the Minster’s pledge in mind, and with the support of over 143,000 signatures, we the undersigned are demanding a Royal Commission into the Pensions and Re-establishment of veterans.Signed,David MacLeod (veteran) (former Liberal Candidate)Pat Stogran (veteran) (former Veteran Ombudsman)Dennis Manuge (veteran) (Lead Plaintiff SISIP)Harold Leduc (veteran) (former VRAB)Natasha Mohr (Widow)Dawn Marie Collins (Widow)Dineen Gauthier (spouse of veteran)Jeff Rose Martland (Civilian) (President of Our Duty)Scott Beckman (veteran)Walter Callaghan (veteran)Matt Edwards (veteran)Brian Gauthier (veteran)Larry Harford (veteran)Rollie Lawless (veteran)Dan Slack (veteran)​(Head Operations Officer, United Federation of Canadian Veterans)Kevin L. Sweeney (veteran)Florian Thibodeau (veteran)

Well said David we have to stand together and get this mishmash of a system changed . Bureaucrats continue to deny and delay they use small legalities and interpretations to harm those that served . If the system is so great why are so many having problems . They haven't fallen through cracks they fell in gaping holes . Tired of seeing Politicians try to convince us that they care

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Tom Brown (Veteran)

13/6/2016 11:01:38

Enough rhetoric; do right thing; for once and for all.

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Dave Bell

15/6/2016 00:10:35

Keep up the fight!!

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Dave Bell

15/6/2016 00:10:43

Keep up the fight!!

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Dave Bell

15/6/2016 00:10:50

Keep up the fight!!

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Dave Bell

15/6/2016 00:10:55

Keep up the fight!!

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Chris Young

15/6/2016 18:44:15

Veterans deserve FULL support.

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Arnold Murphy

18/6/2016 04:52:52

It is time we hold people accountable, and publicly so.

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Cpl ( Ret'd) Eric Hjalmarson CD

18/6/2016 08:20:10

Sense April 2006 the government of this country has been spitting in the faces of the very people that stand in harms way to protect them and this land. The Veterans. It is well past time that these same Veterans were giving the chance to speak and be heard on the issues that effect them on so many levels of their lives

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Marilyn MacDonald

19/6/2016 21:56:23

There should not be a fight. Do what is right for the men and women of our country.